Cambodia

If you're planning to explore the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, conduct business in bustling Phnom Penh, or pursue academic opportunities in this rapidly developing nation, understanding Cambodia's visa requirements is your essential first step toward an unforgettable journey.

Navigate Cambodia's Welcoming Immigration Framework

Cambodia maintains a tourist-friendly visa policy designed to encourage international visitors while ensuring proper documentation. Cambodia continues to maintain one of Southeast Asia's most accessible visa systems in 2026, offering multiple visa pathways tailored to diverse travel purposes. Starting January 2025, all visitors flying to Cambodia are required to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within seven days before their arrival, streamlining the entry process for air travelers.

Who Needs Cambodia Visa Authorization?

Most visitors to Cambodia must obtain a visa, either on arrival or online, unless they are citizens of one of the visa-exempt countries. Holders of ordinary passports of all ASEAN member states may enter Cambodia without a visa. From 15 June 2026 to 15 October 2026, Chinese, Hong Kong and Macao passport holders can travel to Cambodia without a visa and stay for up to 14 days at each entrance. For most other nationalities, specific visa requirements vary by purpose:

• Tourism and cultural exploration
• Business meetings and investment opportunities
• Academic research and educational programs
• Extended stays and employment ventures
• Retirement and long-term residence

Cambodia offers two primary visa categories for short-term visitors and long-stay travelers: the Tourist Visa (Type T) and the Ordinary Visa (Type E). Extensions are categorized under sub-classes such as EB (business/work), EG (job seeking), ER (retirement), and ES (student), providing flexibility for various long-term stays.

Your Comprehensive Planning Resource

This expert guide transforms complex immigration procedures into clear, actionable strategies. Our systematic approach ensures you understand every requirement, from initial application through successful entry into this captivating Southeast Asian destination. Passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry to Cambodia, and you will need to navigate options including e-visa applications, visa on arrival, or embassy processing depending on your nationality and travel plans.

Most travelers need a visa to enter Cambodia, with limited visa-free access available only to citizens of specific countries. Cambodia operates a restrictive visa policy, requiring advance authorization for the majority of international visitors.

Visa-Free Entry Countries

Citizens of ASEAN member states may enter Cambodia without a visa, including Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, with stays ranging from 14 to 30 days depending on nationality.

From 15 June 2026 to 15 October 2026, Chinese, Hong Kong, and Macao passport holders can travel to Cambodia without a visa and stay for up to 14 days at each entrance. This is a temporary trial program.

Holders of diplomatic, official, service, or special passports from certain countries, including China, Russia, and South Korea, may enter without a visa for stays ranging from 14 to 90 days depending on nationality and passport type.

Visa-Required Nationalities

All other nationalities, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea (regular passports), and China (regular passports outside the temporary visa-free period) must obtain a visa before arrival or upon arrival.

Passport Requirements

All visitors must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• At least one blank page for entry stamps
• Return or onward travel documentation

Cambodia e-Arrival Card Requirement

Starting January 2025, all visitors flying to Cambodia are required to submit the Cambodia e-Arrival Card within seven days before their arrival. This electronic system replaces traditional paper immigration forms and must be completed for all air arrivals at Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville international airports.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers who are leaving on the same arrival aircraft do not need a visa when transiting through Phnom Penh International Airport. Passengers leaving the airport or staying longer must obtain appropriate visas.

Verification

Always verify current requirements through the Royal Embassy of Cambodia in your country or Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, as visa policies change frequently and may include seasonal restrictions or special conditions.

Cambodia offers diversified visa options tailored to various travel purposes, from short-term tourism to extended business engagements. Understanding the specific visa category that aligns with your intended activities ensures compliance with immigration regulations while maximizing your travel experience.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

The Tourist Visa (T class) is intended for leisure travel and short visits. This visa is valid for 30 days with single-entry privileges, and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the Cambodia Immigration Office. The visa is valid to use or enter Cambodia within three months from the date of issue. The e-Visa system provides online processing typically within 2 to 4 business days, while visa-on-arrival services can be applied for at the border port by passengers entering by air, land, or sea. The cost is 30 USD for a tourist visa.

Business and Commercial Visas

The Ordinary Visa (E class) is the most flexible visa option in Cambodia, granting 30 days on arrival at a cost of 35 USD. Unlike the tourist visa, it can be extended for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months. The visa is valid within 1 month from the date of entry into Cambodia and can be extended for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months or 12 months. Only 6-month and 12-month EB visas allow multiple entries. An employment contract or invitation letter from a company is required. The EB visa does not give you the right to work in Cambodia; work in Cambodia requires both a valid visa and a work permit.

Employment and Work Permits

The EB visa extension is issued to foreigners who plan to work in Cambodia. During the initial six-month or one-year period, it is possible to apply for the EB visa without a work permit, but when applying for a second extension, the applicant must submit a valid work permit or proof of business activity. The work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training. Foreigners who intend to conduct business, investment or work in Cambodia, including their partners and children, freelancers and volunteers can also apply for this type of visa.

Student and Academic Visas

Academic visas fall under the ES (student) extension category of the E-class visa. A student visa is for international students admitted into academic institutions in the country, and the visa is valid for as long as the course lasts. Students must present enrollment confirmation and demonstrate financial capability. Processing times typically require 3 working days for E-class visa applications through embassies.

Retirement and Additional Categories

The ER (retirement) extension is available under the E-class visa system. Only individuals who are 55 years or older are normally granted retirement visas for Cambodia, and they must show evidence of their financial independence and retirement. Cambodia has a special job-seeking visa (EG) for foreigners looking for employment in the country, which is extendable for up to six months. The K-class visa is applicable to Cambodian people holding foreign passports, allowing for a lifetime visa for free. Official Visa (B Visa) is applicable to employees of organizations stationed in Cambodia at the invitation of the government, while Visitor Visa (C Visa) is a free visa for employees of international NGOs who have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Tourist visas (T-class) process within 3-5 business days for standard applications, while business visas (E-class) require similar timeframes for initial 30-day issuance. Work permits and residence visas extend processing to 10-30 business days depending on documentation completeness and embassy location. Peak season processing (December-February) may add 2-3 additional days to standard timeframes.

Visa Costs and Fee Structure

• Tourist visa (30 days): $30 USD
• Business visa (30 days): $35 USD
• Embassy visa processing (tourist): $30 USD
• Embassy visa processing (business): $35 USD
• Visa on arrival processing fee: Additional $7 USD

Application Locations and Methods

Apply through the official eVisa portal at evisa.gov.kh for fastest processing, or visit Cambodian consulates worldwide. Major processing centers include Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur consulates. Visa-on-arrival remains available at Phnom Penh and Siem Reap airports, as well as all major border crossings, with same-day issuance. All air travelers must complete an e-Arrival Card within 7 days prior to arrival, which replaces the paper arrival and departure forms.

Essential Requirements

All applications require a passport valid 6+ months from entry date, recent passport photo, and completed application form. Business visas additionally require invitation letters or company registration documents. Payment accepted via credit card and debit card for eVisas, or cash USD for visa-on-arrival.

Key Contact Information

Embassy of Cambodia, Washington DC: +1-202-726-7742
eVisa Support: support@evisa.gov.kh
Success rate: 98% for complete applications with proper documentation

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type

Identify the correct visa category based on your travel purpose and intended duration. Cambodia offers tourist visas (T-Class) for leisure travel and ordinary visas (E-Class) for business, work, and long-term stays. Review requirements carefully as each type has specific documentation, validity periods, and extension options.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of entry and at least one blank visa page
• Recent passport-sized photograph (digital format for e-Visa applications; physical copy for visa on arrival)
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Valid email address for e-Visa applications
• Supporting documents based on visa type (invitation letters for business visas, hotel bookings, return or onward flight tickets)
• Payment method (credit card, debit card, or USD cash depending on application method)

Ensure all foreign documents are properly legalized and translated into English or Khmer by certified translators if required for specific visa categories.

Step 3: Choose Your Application Method

Cambodia offers three application methods: e-Visa through the official government portal at evisa.gov.kh, visa on arrival at designated entry points, or embassy applications for sticker visas. The e-Visa is the most convenient option for eligible nationalities, allowing you to apply online without visiting an embassy. Visa on arrival is available at international airports and major land border crossings.

Step 4: Complete the e-Arrival Form

All travelers entering Cambodia must complete the mandatory Cambodia e-Arrival form within 7 days before arrival. This digital system replaces the traditional paper immigration cards and integrates immigration, customs, and health declaration forms. Access the system through arrival.gov.kh or download the Cambodia e-Arrival mobile app. Complete this step even if you already have an approved visa.

Step 5: Submit Application and Pay Fees

For e-Visa applications, complete the online form through the official portal, upload your passport scan and photograph, and pay the required fee using credit card, MasterCard, UnionPay, Alipay, or WeChat payment. Tourist visas (T-Class) cost USD 30, while ordinary visas (E-Class) cost USD 35. For embassy applications, submit your original passport with completed forms and pay by money order or cashier's check. Retain all payment receipts and confirmation emails.

Step 6: Track Application Status

Monitor your e-Visa application progress using the reference number provided in your confirmation email. Standard processing typically takes 3-5 business days for tourist e-Visas and 5-7 business days for business visas. You will receive status updates via email. For embassy applications, contact the embassy directly or use their online tracking system if available.

Step 7: Receive and Print Your Visa

Once approved, your e-Visa will be sent as a PDF document to your email address. Print at least two copies of the e-Visa approval letter—one copy will be retained upon entry and another upon exit from Cambodia. Verify all details immediately upon receipt to ensure accuracy before travel. For embassy applications, collect your passport with the visa sticker affixed or receive it by prepaid return mail.

Step 8: Complete Immigration at Arrival

Upon arrival in Cambodia, present your printed e-Visa approval or visa-stamped passport, completed e-Arrival confirmation, and passport to immigration officers. Biometric data collection including fingerprint scans may be required at certain entry points. Ensure your passport receives an entry stamp from immigration officials and keep all visa documentation with you throughout your stay in Cambodia.